Lord of Secrets Read Online Free PDF Page B

only one club, nodded to a limited number of acquaintances and scrupulously avoided the company of marriageable females. This voyage home marked the end of his first journey abroad, and he had every expectation it would be his last.
    Given the pains he took to avoid awkward entanglements and troubling disruptions to his routine, it took him by surprise when Miss Whitwell braved the curious stares of their fellow passengers to approach him as they all filed in to dinner.
    “Do say you’ll sit with my cousin Mr. Templeton and me tonight, Lord Deal.” She had either packed mourning clothes or borrowed them, for she was dressed modestly in a slim-fitting black gown of black crepe, a string of jet beads at her throat. “I’d be honored if you would take my father’s place.”
    A stir of uneasiness ran through David. He couldn’t deliver his customary demur, a bland smile and a few practiced but insincere words of regret. After all, the girl had just suffered a tragic loss. Besides, he had no one to blame but himself for the invitation she’d just extended. He should have kept his distance after her father’s burial service instead of lingering on deck to talk with her.
    He took care to make his answer sound both respectful and final. “My dear Miss Whitwell, I could never deserve such a distinction.”
    Regrettably, she refused to take the hint. “Truly, you’d be doing me a favor. I’ll feel quite lost if my father’s chair remains empty.”
    “I assure you, there are others here who would prove more diverting.”
    “But I’m not looking for diversion.” She gazed up at him with disarming earnestness. “My cousin Charlie has been laboring to divert me for the past eight hours, and the effort is exhausting both of us. All I wish is a calm, steady presence. And surely you could use the company, my lord.”
    She gave him a beseeching look, a heartbreakingly beautiful girl appealing to him for aid, and he almost changed his mind. Almost. Then he reminded himself that Captain Raney would look after her, and firmed his resolve. “It’s most gracious of you to invite me, but I’m not in the habit of socializing.”
    Unfortunately, the girl was as tenacious as a barnacle. “Not in the habit, perhaps, but won’t you join our party just the same? I promise we don’t bite.”
    Why wouldn’t she let the matter drop? The other passengers were already taking their places around the table. “I’m confident any young lady as charming as you are should have no trouble finding some other gentleman here who’s not only willing to join you, but eager to do so.”
    “But—”
    He sketched a hasty bow. “You really must excuse me, Miss Whitwell.” He turned on his heel before she could offer another objection.
    He strode resolutely to his place at the end of the table, as far as possible from where she customarily sat. It was better for both of them if he had nothing more to do with her.
    He took his seat but couldn’t resist the urge to glance back at her. She was hurrying to her join her cousin, her head down, her cheeks pink with embarrassment.
    Damn. He’d handled that badly. Telling her she could find some other gentleman willing to join her was tantamount to saying he was unwilling. As much as it made sense to hold himself apart, the poor girl had lost her father only the night before. David wished he could turn back the clock and have another chance at the last few minutes. Perhaps then he might find a more tactful way to turn her down.
    Then again, perhaps if he had another chance at the last few minutes, he might give in to temptation and say yes.
    He sighed. Why did her father have to die on this particular voyage, and why did she have to turn to his door for help? He had no experience at offering comfort and support, especially when it came to innocent young ladies. And now he felt—well, not responsible for her, to be sure, but not entirely unconcerned in her welfare, either. It didn’t help that she was